Norwegian prisons face a growing challenge as confiscated mobile phones increase dramatically. New statistics show authorities seized 181 phones last year, up from 125 the previous year. This year continues the trend with 140 phones already confiscated through August.
Prisoners use creative methods to hide phones within facilities. Visitors attempt to smuggle devices through security checks. Some inmates carry phones when returning from court appearances.
Jan-Erik Sandlie, assistant director of the Norwegian Correctional Service, called the situation a major problem. "Inmates and others trying to smuggle phones into prisons are creative," Sandlie said. "They constantly try new methods."
Phones can be used to plan new crimes from behind bars. The correctional service considers combating this issue a priority.
Authorities discovered phones hidden in food trays and even thrown into prison courtyards from outside. One recent case involved a teacher caught with two phones hidden in a baking pan at an Østfold prison. During a body search, officers also found cannabis in her bra.
Before 2022, officials counted phones and other electronic equipment together in statistics. Now they track phones separately, revealing the true scale of the problem.
Sandlie attributes the increase to two factors. More inmates belong to organized crime groups with strong communication needs. At the same time, prison controls have improved.
Still, officials acknowledge they don't catch everything. "We assume more phones are in use than we manage to confiscate," Sandlie admitted.
Unlike Denmark, where prison phone possession carries penalties, Norwegian inmates face no additional punishment when caught. The correctional service is discussing whether to implement similar laws in Norway.
Danish authorities report their ban has proven effective. Norway may follow their example as the phone problem grows.
The situation reveals a clear security gap in Norwegian prisons. While authorities work to improve controls, the lack of legal consequences for phone possession creates little deterrent for determined inmates.